Logan Konarska ’27 is a sophomore majoring in communication disorders. In his first two years here, he has found a place in Geneva’s Christian community, as well as new opportunities and direction for his future. Through strong relationships with professors and classmates, community service outside the classroom, and a program tailored to his unique aspirations, Logan is being equipped to faithfully fulfill his calling both now as a student and in the years to come. 

Logan faced a difficult decision in choosing to come to Geneva. He was torn between two of his top choices. Though he initially chose another school, he ultimately decided he felt called to Geneva. 

“The big attraction for me was the uniqueness of the communication disorders program and the openness of the professors in it. When I visited and expressed interest in the program, Professor Layton reached out to me to explain the major to me one-on-one. I was not expecting that. I actually got to sit down and have the professor tell me everything and answer all my questions, and I felt really welcomed.” 

The welcoming nature of students and professors alike has stood out to Logan throughout his time here. When Logan enrolled at Geneva, he was the only male student in the communication disorders program. This was a factor that could easily have made adjusting to college life and classes and developing friendships stressful or uncomfortable. 

“That was challenging to start, but my whole major and my class especially has been extremely kind. I have never felt excluded; I’ve always felt welcome. And I think that’s a testament to the type of people in the program.” 

Logan is currently undecided as to whether he would like to pursue a career in audiology or speech-language pathology. Even though audiology is not an official program at Geneva, his professors have made sure that he will meet all the requirements to continue this path of study in grad school by adding classes to Logan’s major. Through the smaller, connected community at Geneva and the personal attention that professors are able to provide each student, Logan has been able to learn in a program that is specially tailored to suit his career goals and interests. 

The professors at Geneva have been impactful in Logan’s journey in more than providing technical expertise. They have reinforced his understanding of the value of care and given guidance on how to show care within a professional, Christian framework. 

“The professors have such a wealth of experience and explain all the challenges they have faced. It’s especially beneficial that they are believers, because in navigating certain realms where you don’t normally think you can apply your beliefs, they show us how we are able to connect spiritually with people in schools or hospitals … they put a strong emphasis on making sure we are respectful but also how our beliefs can really help in therapy.” 

Logan points to the community service and care-oriented aspects of his major as one of the most impactful pieces of his college experience. In additional to fulfilling observation hours that count toward certification through American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), communication disorders students participate in service-learning activities, which benefit the community while also helping students to gain valuable skills. Logan has worked with Neighborhood North and Tiger Pause, as well as assisting with hearing tests at local schools. 

“The community service requirements have given me an immense respect for helping out in local communities, and the classes here have done a good job of showing how important outreach is. Even when I’m away from college in the summertime, I still look for ways to help out in my community. Not only has the major shown me what I’m passionate about, but it has also made me want to do these things.” 

Logan found a great amount of continuity between his major and the Core in the society class he took as a freshman. He appreciated the service and community-minded focus of the class, and the time he was able to spend both exploring Beaver Falls and discussing ideas with classmates. 

Logan has also participated in the Geneva community as a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) club, and in some of his favorite events like the Geneva Reading Series and Geneva College Theater productions. 

No matter what path Logan decides to pursue after college, he has been equipped with a strong Christian foundation, lasting relationships, and a love of service that is sure to guide his future work. 

By Reagan Shields ‘26